Saturday, November 27, 2010

Let me introduce aviation photographer Peter Emmert from Germany as my latest Warthog News contributor. Please visit his website and also and also. At Spangdahlem AB, Germany, he had the opportunity to take the following shots:

He had to stand up an expeditionary wing in Afghanistan a year ago last summer, the same time the surge ordered by President Obama hit a fever pitch.

The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing would operate out of Kandahar Airfield, a hub for NATO air operations in southern Afghanistan but 300 miles from Bagram Airfield where the Air Force kept most of its fleet.

To back up the 30,000 additional soldiers and Marines flowing in, the wing would have a squadron’s worth of A-10 Thunderbolts, C-130J Hercules and MC-12 Liberties to put in the air. The numbers of remote-controlled airplanes and combat search-and-rescue teams would grow. And hundreds of aerial port airmen would arrive to handle cargo.

Walsh, commander of the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing, one of the few stateside units home to A-10 and C-130J squadrons, managed to get the job done. He stayed as commander of the 451st until July 21, which was 12 months and three weeks after the wing stood up.

Today, Walsh is retired. He talked with Air Force Times in October when he was in Washington, D.C., visiting the National Guard Bureau.

Q: As you prepared for command of the 451st, what was the wing’s overall direction?

The decision by [Air Forces Central Command commander] Gen. Gary North and others to stand up a wing at Kandahar was to reduce response times for close-air support and make aircraft more immediately available for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

We needed [aircraft] to be there as quickly as the ground commander called for it. The time goal was immediate.

Q: When did you arrive at Kandahar and how long did it take to get the wing operational?

We flew in and landed on the first of July. The standup of the wing was on July 2, 2009.

We had about two dozen airplanes [C-130Js, HH-60s Pave Hawks and remote-controlled Predators and Reapers] and about 500 folks. Col. John Cherrey was already there as the group commander. He had been on the ground for about three weeks. And we had one chief master sergeant.

Q: What were challenges for the new wing and yourself?

The first piece is the realization that as a wing commander, you were at a NATO base and you had the U.S. Army as the lead base agency. It was all about building relationships, since I wasn’t the senior airfield authority. That was the first piece that was different from my previous experience as a wing commander.

Second was the idea of trying to expand our footprint at Kandahar. It was going to grow to about 2,100 folks and eight or nine types of airplanes — over 80 airplanes total. Communications, infrastructure concrete were immediate things with timelines.

A majority of the airmen were living in tents, in an area called South Park. There was no cell phone coverage or wireless [to contact airmen quickly]. We didn't have fire protection down there. Accountability of airmen and communication with airmen was almost impossible.

As we established a large footprint here, we needed to establish the right force protection and know where our airmen were and protect them against the rocket attacks.

Q: When did the A-10s arrive?

We bedded down the A-10s in mid-July. Literally, as A-10s were taking off from the United States, we were laying the ramps where they were going to park.

There was a prioritization based on "What is the most immediate piece?"... The most immediate was getting the A-10s in here and reducing response times for close-air support that was primarily coming out of Bagram at the time.

As we stood up additional capabilities, specifically the MC-12, the HC-130 and landed airplanes, within 24 to 36 hours we were turning combat missions. That takes a lot of hard work.

Q: How did you create the right command environment for a new wing and make airmen, most there for six months or less, understand their roles and your expectations?

It's got to happen at the squadron level and having the right mix with the squadron commander, the first sergeant and the command chief in that unit. [The Air Force] gave us the right commanders, the right chiefs. ... That certainly makes your job as a wing commander quite a bit easier.

A huge part of the success of the wing was the leadership on the senior NCO side.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald and I met with every airman who came in at "right start" briefings. ... We shook the hands of every airman. At least once a week we had mentoring sessions. We'd sit down in groups with first-term airmen, the E-4, 5, 6, the top-3. Then we'd sit down with the first sergeants, probably on a quarterly basis. It was simply a discussion session. The chief's talk was about leadership. ...

The guidance I gave to my group and squadron commanders was all about communication. ... We all play different roles.

Q: As the senior Air Force official at Kandahar, what was your role working with your Army, Marine and NATO counterparts in southern Afghanistan?

They knew they could turn at a general officer level and say, "Here is where I need the air assets, here is where I need the close-air support." We are able to funnel that back up [to the Combined Air Operations Center] and have real time information. ... That integration piece was huge.

We were able to better use air-power because there was trust built with the ground commander and the ground forces that we could go forward and be very precise and very surgical. ... We were sitting across the table looking at each other, saying, "I can do that with airpower and do that every effectively. ..."

We knew a concern was always collateral damage. So we pushed forward really hard with some of the low-collateral damage weapons we brought in — the GBU-38 Version 4.

Q: You put a lot of emphasis on face-to-face talks as a way to command.

To me, it's the enjoyable part when I get to go out and spend a lot of time with airmen. My computer skills aren't quite there, so since I try to avoid the computers, I go out there and talk with the airmen.

You get to know folks very well. ... The greatest privilege of being a wing commander was how many airmen you go to meet and learn something about them. It wasn't just about turning a wrench; it was learning how their fiancée was coping or how their uncle back home sent 20 packets of coffee.

Q: How often were you able to fly and why was that important to you?

I tried to go out and fly with each of the units.

As soon as I got there, the first missions I flew were with the C-130 folks. When you go out on airlift or airdrop missions, even if you're just sitting there in a jump seat and talking with these guys, they understand you've been there and done that before and you understand the challenges they had. That set the tone pretty quick.

Q: What was it like ending your flying career on a combat mission?

I'm a graduate of the [Air Force Academy] class of '79, so when I flew my 79th mission on the Fourth of July, I said there probably was no better way to end 31 years of flying airplanes. You never want to end but stopping at 79 was the right way to do it.

Capt. Jeremy Stoner, 127th Wing Public Affairs Officer and a 107th Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, explains the instrument configuration of the A-10 Thunderbolt II simulator to the newly elected Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. Govenor Calley visited the Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. on Nov. 23, 2010. Govenor Calley accompanied a group of government officials for a presentation of the KC-135 Stratotanker and the A-10 operations at Selfridge. (U.S. Air Force photo by John S. Swanson)Hi-res

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Maj. Joseph Runci, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, prepares for takeoff inside the Full Mission Trainer, an A-10 cockpit simulator, as part of the squadron's preparation for Green Flag West 11-02 Nov. 22. The exercise is one of the Air Force's premiere pre-deployment exercises involving Air Combat Command flying units that perform close-air support and precision-guided munitions delivery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)Hi-res

by Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk23rd Wing Public Affairs

11/22/2010 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Nearly 100 Airmen from the 74th Fighter Squadron are gearing up to take part in a mass training exercise known as Green Flag West 11-02.

Held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., the exercise is for Air Combat Command units who provide close-air support and is designed to be like Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The GFW scenarios are useful because they're realistic," said Capt. Grant Coppin, who is a 74th FS A-10C Thunderbolt II instructor pilot and last participated in 2008. "They accurately portray what might be seen in Southwest Asia, including the villages and compounds."

In addition to giving participants an idea of the general environment, the exercise also allows them to solidify their relationship with the Army.

"We are already proficient at demonstrating we know how to integrate with the Army, but this gives us the chance to validate it," said Captain Coppin. "It's also very useful for other fixed-wing aircraft pilots to be able to practice this as they might not otherwise have the chance."

Another captain who hasn't had as many opportunities to work with the Army said he's glad he'll get the chance.

"Practicing the close-air support on such a massive scale will be valuable training," said Capt. John Meyers, 74th FS assistant chief of training. "It'll also be good to work with the Army so I can have a better understanding of what the guys on the ground do, see what they bring to the fight and how to best support them.

"This exercise will give us a great overall opportunity to hone our skills and prepare for the fight," said the captain. "This is my first Green Flag exercise and it'll be good to have this training under my belt for my first deployment."

The exercise also provides a first for some pilots who may not have a lot of experience.

"Green Flag West can be especially useful to new pilots who might not have dropped live munitions before," said Captain Coppin. "Training with joint terminal attack controllers and dealing with scenarios such as convoy escorts makes this an even better training environment for new and veteran pilots alike."

The personnel going include not only pilots but dozens of support personnel and maintainers. While some of the setup will occur earlier, the Green Flag West 11-02 is scheduled to run from Dec. 4 to 10.

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Maj. Joseph Runci, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, navigates unfamiliar terrain Nov. 22, inside the Full Mission Trainer, an A-10 cockpit simulator, used to familiarize pilots with the region they will be deployed to. Major Runci was flying over virtual Nevada where Green Flag West 11-02 is scheduled to run from Dec. 4 to 10. Green Flag is geared toward the current ground fight and the Air Force partnership with ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)Hi-res

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Maj. Joseph Runci, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, checks his altitude inside the Full Mission Trainer, an A-10 cockpit simulator, as he prepares for the Green Flag West 11-02 exercise Nov. 22. The Green Flag West exercise is designed for close-air support units to practice with U.S. Army forces before being deployed down range together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)Hi-res

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Maj. Joseph Runci, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, uses the Full Mission Trainer, an A-10 cockpit simulator, in preparation for Green Flag West 11-02 Nov. 22. Several support personnel, maintainers and pilots will be traveling to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., to participate in this year's Green Flag West exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)Hi-res

Please note:It sounds to me that a 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron will replace the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, currently combat-deployed with 18 A-10Cs to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Capt. Dylan Thorpe, A-10 East Demonstration Team pilot, is replacing Maj. Johnnie Green, as the team's new face and he will be thoroughly examined by Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, during his final certification flight. Moody's A-10 East Demonstration Team performs all over the world with a goal of showcasing the A-10C Thunderbolt II's extreme capabilities of performing aerial maneuvers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

by Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk23rd Wing Public Affairs

11/22/2010 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Moody's A-10 East Demonstration Team performs for crowds all over the world with a goal of showcasing the A-10C Thunderbolt II's extreme capabilities of performing exceptional aerial maneuvers.

Now, Capt. Dylan "Habu" Thorpe is the new face of the team since current pilot Maj. Johnnie "Dusty" Green will soon move on to another assignment.

"I have enjoyed every moment of being the team's captain and I wouldn't trade these two years for anything," said Major Green, who will soon be going to Osan Air Base, Korea. "The public isn't aware of most of what the A-10 can do and it's been great showing off everything this workhorse is capable of."

The major added that he is happy to pass the reins over to Captain Thorpe, especially considering what he saw during initial training.

"I have total faith that Captain Thorpe will do great in this job," said Major Green, who performed his final flight Nov. 13 during the Community Appreciation Day Air Show. "He's got the personality needed for it and in the training we've completed so far, he's also shown he has the technical proficiency for it."

Captain Thorpe's proficiency will be thoroughly examined during his final certification, which is scheduled for Nov. 30. During the certification, he has to be approved by the 23rd Wing commander.

This day was a long time coming; ever since the captain was young, he has been fascinated with aircraft.

"I grew up near the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado and flying has always intrigued me," said Captain Thorpe. "When I was little, my dad would take me to the nearby airport in Colorado Springs and we would just watch aircraft land and take off."

Now, Captain Thorpe will be in control of the aircraft taking off. During the approximately 15-minute demonstration, he will lead the A-10C through various maneuvers aimed at showcasing what the aircraft can do.

These maneuvers include a vertical 540, during which the aircraft makes a flat pass over the airfield, shoots straight up and then spins. Another is the four-point turn, which involves making and holding four 90-degree turns which result in a full circle.

"The whole time in the air, you're body is enduring a lot of gravity and it takes a toll on the body," said Captain Thorpe. "The past few weeks of training have been very challenging, including working on timing and the little touches that make for good showmanship, but it's worth it. I'm excited to be representing the aircraft and the wing.

"A lot of people we encounter at the airshows think this aircraft retired a while ago," he added. "They're surprised to hear that it's actually being used by our Airmen right now in combat situations."

Captain Thorpe accompanied Major Green to many airshows this past summer, both as a safety observer and to learn how the process works.

"Major Green is very well-respected in the air show circuit," said the captain. "He's done very well in the past two years and I know I have big shoes to fill.

"Also, an important part of the team's success is due to the support team," Captain Thorpe added. "The team chiefs and maintainers make sure this 30-year old aircraft runs perfectly and looks as good as it did the day it rolled out of the factory."

The A-10 East Demonstration Team performs at about 30 air shows a year, the majority of which fall between March and November.

A-10 78-0657 still only with DM tail code but without any further unit markings. Note the chaff/flare dispenser directly behing the landing gear. The orange one is a dummy. (Photo by Ned Harris)Full size

Note the chaff/flare dispenser directly behing the landing gear. The orange one is a dummy dispenser. (Photo by Ned Harris)Full size

Friday, November 19, 2010

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Smoke fills the airspace around Moody as a swamp fire continues to burn in Clinch County, Ga. The fire has been burning for nearly two weeks, causing a cloud of smoke to engulf the base. All flying operations were cancelled for Nov. 19. Flying operations will resume when visibility increases and the smoke clears the airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)Hi-res

by Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk23rd Wing Public Affairs

11/19/2010 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Although weather conditions may occasionally alter flight operations, it's not usually for a prolonged period of time.

However, the 5,000-acre swamp wildfire in Clinch County, Ga., has been burning for more than a week and is why many of Moody's flying operations have been cancelled.

One of the first cancellations was Nov. 13, when some of the aerial acts for the Community Appreciation Day Air Show were unable to safely fly due to reduced visibility. The latest cancellations were Nov. 19.

"We cancelled all 16 of the A-10C Thunderbolt II sorties that were scheduled for today," said Lt. Col. James Clark, 74th Fighter Squadron commander. "These sorties included practice flights for the A-10 East Demonstration Team, local area orientation flights for new pilots and even air refueling training we had with an Air National Guard unit."

The call was made when visibility was as low as one-quarter to one-half of a mile. Pilots cannot fly when visibility is low because of safety issues, including their inability to see their environment as well as other aircraft.

Although the smoke impaired flying operations, not a single related safety incident has been reported to the 23rd Wing Safety Office.

"Because of the conditions, we just want to stress that everybody remain safe," said Trey Rowe, 23rd WG SO occupations safety and health specialist. "While driving, remember to use your fog lights but not your high beams. We haven't had any incidents and we would like to keep it that way."

In addition to no incidents, there also isn't an expectation the smoke will impair the safety of anybody's health.

Another effect of the smoke being so thick was the PT test scheduled to be held the morning of Nov. 19 for a group of Moody members was cancelled.

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- With visibility reduced to less than one-quarter mile and flying operations halted for the day, the A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft parking ramp looks deserted Nov. 19. A swamp fire in Clinch County, Ga., has caused several flying operations to be cancelled, including in-flight refueling, sortie flights and A-10 East Demonstration Team flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)Hi-res

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Four A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft sit under the hangar during a Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise Nov 16. Each aircraft was loaded with munitions and prepped for takeoff to a deployed location for the exercise. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- A group of A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft sit on the flightline waiting to be loaded with munitions during a Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise Nov. 16. The aircraft pilots must wait for maintainers to complete a safe and proper load before takeoff is cleared. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Airmen from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron attach munitions to the underbelly of an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise Nov 16. While loading munitions, the 23rd AMXS members were being graded on their ability to load the aircraft correctly. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Airman 1st Class Stephen Davarich, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons armament systems specialist, waits for a fellow crew member to secure a munition during a Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise Nov 16. After the munition is secured, it will be safely attached to the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

SEOUL (BNS): The US military has deployed an upgraded A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft to its base in South Korea.

The new aircraft was deployed at the US air base in Osan near the South Korean capital Seoul late last month, the Korean news agency Yonhap reported Tuesday quoting a statement from the US Forces Korea (USFK).

With this deployment, the 25th Fighter Squadron of the USFK has received its last batch of A-10C aircraft with "improved precision strike capability", the statement said.

The A-10 Thunderbolt is a twin-engine combat aircraft used to provide close-air support to ground forces and employs a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general-purpose bombs.

The fighter, with short takeoff and landing capability, is used to target tanks, armoured vehicles and other ground installations.

The upgraded A-10C Thunderbolt II, with its precision engagement technology based on laser and GPS,is capable of carrying precision-guided bombs.

Monday, November 15, 2010

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shot:

During a Nellis base flight, A-10C 79-0169 from the 422nd Test and Evaluation squadron, with Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10, is cought together with a F-15C Eagle from the 65th Aggressor Squadron (65th AGRS) and a F-16C Fighting Falcon ("Viper"). (Photo by Bruce Smith)Full size

Michigan Air National Guard Delivers Gas - A 107th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II, from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., hooks up with the boom of a 127th Air Refueling Group KC-135 Stratotanker, also from Selfridge, for an air refueling over Northern Michigan on Nov. 7. Both aircraft are flown by the Michigan Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa) Hi-res

Sunday, November 14, 2010

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Adrian Lindahl (front) and Reese Morton (center), sons of Justin and Penny Morton, ask Capt. Drew Voss, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, questions about the A-10C Thunderbolt II. Thousands of people lined up to see the different types of aircraft used in present day and previous wars. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)Hi-res

by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth23rd Wing Public Affairs

11/14/2010 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Smoke invaded the skies and there was an unmistakable chill in the air as thousands of people gathered to catch a glimpse of the Moody Community Appreciation Day Air Show.

Approximately 20,000 people came out to see not only the aerial demonstrations but to see the Air Force's mission first hand.

"To come out here and witness all of the aircraft again was an amazing experience, said Pam Danbury, husband of retired Maj. Bill Danbury. "It's good seeing the changes at Moody from when my husband was stationed here."

Static displays lined the grounds of the show. Aircraft from Moody were on display like the HC-130P/N Combat King, A-10C Thunderbolt II, and the HH-60G Pave Hawk. There were also fighter aircraft and helicopters from other locations. But the aircraft were not alone, their crews stood alongside.

"This day was for the community, being able to come out and showcase the capabilities was a treat for all of us," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Weave, 71st Rescue Squadron airborne mission systems specialist. "This may be someone's first time on a military base and this is our chance to teach them as much about us as possible."

The crew's purpose was to educate the community about how these planes are used and what they are capable of.

"What we are here to do is give a basic overview of this plane and let them know what we do," said Sergeant Weave. "We have 15 crew members here to help show the HC-130, educating them on the different parts and functions of the aircraft."

Each aircraft and it crew have a different role to play. This day was a key day in letting the community see the base and the air force mission first hand. A day which furthered the bond between the 23rd Wing and its host communities.

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Explosions go off during an A-10C Thunderbolt II demonstration at the Community Appreciation Day Air Show Nov. 13. Moody housed various performers and demonstrations from the A-10 to the P-40 Warhawk, two aircraft that fly with the historic Flying Tigers logo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua GreenHi-res

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.